Word from the field is that making ends meet as a grower is increasingly difficult. Fuel costs are a whopper, forcing many growers to shut down or at least delay the season’s start. Moreover, competition from large corporations make prices tumble. Entities like WalMart which buy and sell in incredible volumes essentially set the prices. And they are set too low. Unfortunately for many growers, those not serving the giants, that is (though I suspect they take a hit doing so) are unable to raise prices relative to the increasing costs. It’s a shame because the knowledge and insights gained by buying from specialists can be significant. Also, the quality of plant material grown by loving professionals is typically better. I’m not saying the large corporations don’t hire qualified staff, I’m sure they do have their criteria, but I will state emphatically that volume production and sales will never match have that same personality or whatever you want to call it. The love isn’t there.
Consumer: Resist the urge!
So, maybe you’re a consumer. What are you going to do? Do you care? Supporting local businesses — versus corporate branches and franchises — does this have any significance or importance to you? I know shopping at some of these big stores is convenient (and cheap), but, as I’ve surely asked before, are you really willing to let the locals die? If you care, here’s an idea.
The plants are right there next to the patio furniture, behind housewares, a city block from the automotive section, and a stone’s throw from lingerie. Should you buy them? Or should you go five miles down the road to support your local farm stand or greenhouse? Granted driving the five miles (make it ten, round trip) costs money, takes time, and makes more pollution. But local support is good. Hmm, there are no easy answers are there? Of course do what you feel is right, but if you can justify supporting your local growers, please do. Resist the urge to grab a plant and pass it over the self-checkout scanner. It’s only $3.95 (and may be $4.95 down the road), but understand that it all adds up. But this isn’t just on your shoulders, dear consumer.
Growers: Adapt!
And maybe you’re a grower reading this right now nodding your head in agreement. You’re not going to take it are you? There must be something you can do. Gardening is in decline because people lack the time and will to do it. Is there nothing you can do to change this? Make gardening fun, relaxing, exciting, whatever, and do it however possible. But maybe you don’t feel you can make an impact. Here’s a idea or two:
- Value added is value to all.
- The customer and the seller. Try offering more support, wisdom, personality. Offer things that make it ten-extra-miles worthwhile. Things the big guys can’t or won’t do because they can’t add an SKU to it. Add some value.
- Or, add a service instead.
- Deliver the plants by offering telephone and web sales. Plant the customer’s garden as an added service. And maintain it while you’re at it. This may be a feasible solution and quite possibly a service which would be in demand.
- Offer other products.
- But be careful! Don’t get into a situation where you’re buying a bunch of hardgoods that don’t sell well — trust me on this one. Buy things surely in demand or items that can be replenished as needed and in small quantities. Or goods sold on consignment. How about, even though this may sound like shameless self-promotion, selling good bugs. The customer comes into the store and reads signage stating good bugs are for sale, reads some info, asks some questions, looks at a price list, pays his or her bill (or a deposit), and comes back again the following week to pick up the order. Simple, no risk, no up-front costs. Or, alternatively, have them shipped directly to the customer. Each methods has its benefits and drawbacks, but both are solid. Good bugs are in demand by sensible people everywhere, especially if their virtues are made known.
- Get a website.
- Even if you offer a simple three-page affair providing hours, contact information, a map, and general information, it’s worthwhile. A lot of people walk the web instead of the streets nowadays if you haven’t noticed. Even though this, too, may sound like self promotion, you can have a website built for you on a very slim budget (and web hosting is very reasonable).
In any case, try to keep your chin up, dear grower, having an attitude as I know one grower to have, won’t help you, just like it doesn’t help him. And you, dear consumer, you’ll pitch in if your favorite grower takes steps in the right direction, right?
